Vegetables

Cucumis sativus 'Lemon'

Lemon Cucumber

Cucurbitaceae
Heirloom cultivar introduced to the US in the late 1800s; the species C. sativus is native to South Asia (India)

At a Glance

TypeAnnual
HabitVining
FoliageDeciduous
Height72-96 inches (180-240 cm)
Width24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Maturity1 years

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsContainer Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucumis sativus 'Lemon' is the lemon cucumber, a vining annual growing 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) on a trellis or cage. Round to oval pale yellow fruit 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) diameter resembling a lemon in shape and color — the fruit tastes like a mild cucumber, not a lemon. In the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). Matures in 60-70 days from seed. The round shape and pale yellow color distinguish this cultivar from all standard green slicing types. Open-pollinated (heirloom): introduced to the US in the late 1800s. Monoecious: requires bee pollination. Harvest when pale yellow and lemon-sized — the fruit becomes seedy and thick-skinned if overripened to deep yellow. Less bitter than standard green cucumbers (lower cucurbitacin content). Prolific: a single vine can produce 30-50+ fruit per season. Cucumber beetles (Diabrotica, Acalymma) transmit bacterial wilt — the primary pest concern. Consistent moisture. Direct-sow after last frost when soil reaches 60°F (16°C). Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Heirloom cultivar introduced to the US in the late 1800s. The species C. sativus is native to South Asia (India).

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with a trellis. The round pale yellow fruit. Less bitter than standard cucumbers. Prolific. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Non-toxic. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by round to oval pale yellow fruit 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) resembling a lemon in shape and color on a vining plant. The round pale yellow fruit is unique among cucumber cultivars. Tastes like mild cucumber (not lemon). In Cucurbitaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
Summer (June-September). Bright yellow monoecious flowers. Requires bee pollination. Fruit 60-70 days from seed. Prolific (30-50+ fruit per vine).

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow, 5-petaled; monoecious

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green, large palmate, rough-textured

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-70 days from seed

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Rich moist soil pH 6.0-7.0. Consistent moisture. Trellis or cage. Requires bee pollination. Harvest at pale yellow stage — overripe fruit becomes seedy. Cucumber beetles and bacterial wilt. Non-toxic. Tender annual.

Pruning

Train vines to a trellis or cage. Harvest regularly at the pale yellow stage. Remove overripe deep yellow fruit promptly. No other pruning needed.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

3 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

After last frost when soil temperature reaches 60 degrees F (16 degrees C)+

Days to Maturity

60–70 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches